National Bureau of Investigation Director Melvin Matibag on Tuesday acknowledged that his wife, Laguna 1st District Rep. Ann Matibag, was among the lawmakers who endorsed the Articles of Impeachment against Vice President Sara Duterte, but said it has no bearing on his role as NBI chief.
During cross-examination before the Senate impeachment court, defense counsel Mark Vinluan asked Matibag whether his wife was among the endorsers of the impeachment complaint.
“Yes, my wife is one of the endorsers of the impeachment,” Matibag replied.
He stressed that his wife’s work in the House of Representatives is separate from his responsibilities as director of the National Bureau of Investigation.
“However, the job of my wife as a legislator is totally detached from me, being the director of the National Bureau of Investigation,” he said.
Matibag said he appeared before the impeachment court at the invitation of the House prosecution panel.
He added that, based on his understanding of the pre-trial order, he was also listed as a potential witness for the defense.
“I will be gladly witness for the defense as well, if I will be called upon,” Matibag said.
